Water distribution system for ice-making machine

ABSTRACT

The assembly of the present disclosure includes a one-piece, molded or formed water distribution tube and an evaporator component or top. The tube connects to the evaporator component without the use of any additional fasteners such as metal screws. A protrusion or tab formed in the tube effects the connection to the evaporator component. Water is introduced to the tuba via an inlet, where the water flow is evened out partially with a divider within the tube. The water exits through drainage holes in the tube, and passes over an evaporator to be frozen into ice.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/019,092, filed on Jun. 30, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to water distribution devices for ice-making machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a water distribution device that has a two-piece construction and does not require the use of any additional fasteners.

2. Description of the Related Art

In some current ice-making machine, there are devices to divert and spread a jet of water over a wide area. The water is distributed so that it can pass over an evaporator and make ice. Currently available systems have multi-component systems, which can be complicated to manufacture, and costly to manufacture. In addition, these current distribution systems have components that are connected to one another with metal fasteners or buttons. These fasteners may come loose during operation of the ice-making machine, and are reported as undesirable defects by the users of the machine.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, a prior art water distribution assembly 100 is shown. Assembly 100 has an evaporator top 110, and a two part distribution tube, a first part 120 and a second part 130. First part 120 is connected to second part 130 with one or more fasteners 122. There is usually a plurality of fasteners 122, for example four as shown. Water is introduced to an inlet spout 132 in second part 130. As discussed and shown in greater detail below, the water disperses in second part 130, and drips out through the bottom holes created by the mating surfaces of 120 and 130. This water passes over evaporator top 110 and down to evaporator cells (not shown), where it freezes.

As described above, this configuration, of assembly 100, has several disadvantages. The multi-component assembly is complicated and time-consuming for users to put together, and difficult to service. Fasteners 122 may dislodge and enter an ice bin, or the other areas of machine where assembly 100 is used. In addition, the path of the water that goes through spout 132, through second part 130, and out over top 110 is not optimized. This creates a condition whereby the water does not fill the evaporator cells evenly.

Accordingly, there is a need to address these deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The water-distribution device of the present disclosure presents several advantages not found in currently available systems. The device of the present disclosure has a two-component construction, which provides significant cost savings in manufacture, and is easier to service and clean. The two components are connected to one another without the use of any other fasteners. In addition, as discussed in greater detail below, the water distribution device of the present disclosure provides an improved water flow path over what is currently available. The improved path of the present disclosure helps to ensure that water is more evenly distributed over the evaporator that freezes to make ice.

Thus, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a water distribution tube for an ice-making machine. The tube comprises an inlet, a channel defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of surrounding raised outer walls, and a plurality of drainage holes within all channel. Water is introduced to all tube through all inlet, enters all channel, and drains through all plurality of holes. The tube is a one-piece, integrally formed and molded tube

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an assembly for an ice-making machine, comprising a one-piece, integrally formed and molded water distribution tube. The tube comprises an inlet, wherein water is introduced to the tube through the inlet, a channel defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of surrounding raised outer walls, and a plurality of drainage holes within all channel. The assembly further comprises an evaporator. Water is introduced to all tube through all inlet, enters all channel, and drains through all plurality of holes on to all evaporator. The water distribution tube connects directly to all evaporator without the use of any fasteners.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of distributing and freezing water, comprising the steps of introducing water to a distribution tube, and passing water over an evaporator. The tube is a one-piece, integrally formed and molded water distribution tube, and comprises an inlet, wherein water is introduced to the tube through all inlet, a channel defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of surrounding raised outer walls, and a plurality of drainage holes within all channel. During the passing step, all water falls through all drainage holes on to all evaporator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows an exploded view of a water distribution assembly according to the prior art.

FIG. 1 b shows a top, perspective view of a water distribution assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 c shows an exploded view of the water distribution assembly of FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 2 a shows a cross-sectional view of the water distribution assembly of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 b shows a cross-sectional view of the water distribution assembly of FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 2 c shows a side view of an evaporator using the water distribution assembly of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 3 a shows a bottom view of the water distribution assembly of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 3 b shows a bottom view of the water distribution assembly of FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 4 a shows a top perspective view of one of the components of the water distribution system of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 4 b shows a top perspective view of one of the components of the water distribution system of FIG. 1 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to the Figures, and in particular FIG. 1 b, distribution assembly 200 of the present disclosure is shown. Assembly 200 has a two-piece construction, so that a single distribution tube 220 can connect directly to an evaporator top 210 without the use of any additional fasteners. This provides for a more simple construction that is easier to assemble and clean, minimizes the number of components needed, and is less costly than currently available assemblies. Assembly 200 can have two parts or components, as compared to the seven of assembly 100. Tube 220 can be molded or formed as one, integral part. This may be challenging due to the complex geometry of tube 220, but again, it provides for significant simplicity in assembly and maintenance.

As discussed in greater detail below, and referring to FIG. 1 c, water enters assembly 200 through spout or inlet 222, which is integrally molded or formed with tube 220. The water travels from inlet 222 into an interior channel 230 of tube 220. Channel 230 can have plurality of raised walls 231 that raise up from and surround a bottom surface 233 (FIGS. 2 b, 3 b, 4 b). Inlet 222 can be integrally formed within one of the walls 231. As described in greater detail below, a divider 232 within channel 230 disperses the flow of water coming in through inlet 222, making sure that water pressure is even along the length of tube 220. Once the amount of water within channel 230 and behind wall 232 builds to a certain point, it can pass over wall 232, out through exit or drainage holes in tube 220, and onto evaporator top 210. This greatly reduces the problem of uneven flow into evaporator cells, as is found in current devices.

Referring again to FIG. 1 c, tube 220 has a first protrusion or end 224 and a second protrusion or end 226, which can connect to mating slots within evaporator top 210. The connection can be a snap-, friction-, location-, or pressure-fit. Importantly, as discussed above, there are no additional fasteners needed to secure tube 220 to evaporator top 210. Ends 224 and 226 can be integrally formed or molded with tube 220. Location tabs 221 (FIG. 4 b), which are integrally formed or molded as part of tube 220, can further assist in the securing of tube 220 to evaporator top 210. An ice thickness probe (not shown) can pass through guide holes 221 a of location tabs 221. This thickness probe is used to set the thickness of the ice made with assembly 200, which requires the precise location of 220 to remain constant.

Referring to FIG. 2 a, a close up of the prior art connection between top 110, first part 120, and second part 130 is shown. As previously discussed, water drips out through holes 136 that are formed by ridged formations on each of first part 120 and second part 130. Again, water comes in through spout 132, is dispersed along second part 130, and drops vertically out through holes 136 onto evaporator top 110. This is disadvantageous, because the water passes a short distance in a straight vertical drop. Due to effects from surface tension, the water may not flow evenly across evaporator top 110, leading to gaps in the cascade that drops down over the ice cells of the evaporator. This effect is known as a “wet out”, and is shown in FIG. 2 c. There are dry gaps 114 on evaporator top 110, which prevent water from flowing evenly into evaporator cells 116.

By contrast, as shown in FIG. 2 b, tube 220 has a plurality of drainage holes 234 on the same side of tube 220 as inlet 222. Thus, water comes into tube 220 through inlet 222, and enters channel 230. The water builds up on a first side or sub-channel 236 of channel 230, and is retained there by divider 232 until it gets to a certain height. Once it reaches the desired height, it passes over divider 232 into a second side or sub-channel 238 of channel 230. Here, in second side 238, the water can flow out through drainage holes 234, hit a back wall 212 of evaporator top 210, and spill out on to an evaporator. Divider 232 can have one or more notches 233 that can control the height at which water can pass from first side 236 into second side 238. First sub-channel 236 and second sub-channel 238 may also be referred to as a “front” and “back” sub-channel respectively, as the water comes in though inlet 222 on the “back” side of evaporator top 210, passes into the first or “front” sub-channel, and passes back over divider 232 into the second or “back” sub-channel. Drainage holes 234 can be formed in bottom surface 233, or within one of walls 231. Drainage holes 234 can also be formed partially within each of bottom surface 233 and one of walls 231, at an intersection thereof, as shown.

Thus, the way the water is channeled in assembly 200 is a significant improvement over currently available devices. By passing the water into a first side 236 of the channel 230 and retaining it there, many of the irregularities within the water flow can even out. When the water passes over divider 232 and out through drainage holes 234 in second side 238, it has a longer path to travel than in currently available devices. By hitting back wall 212 of evaporator top 210, the flow is split. This further assists with evening out any flow irregularity or surface tension effects, such as that of the “wet out” effect described above.

Evaporator top 210 can also have a more rounded or “bull-nosed” front edge 214 than is found in current designs. This prevents the problem of water splashing off the edge of the evaporator top, and not traveling into evaporator cells. The additional surface tension provided by edge 214 keeps the water from splashing away from the evaporator cells.

Referring to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, another deficiency of prior art designs is shown and addressed. As shown in FIG. 3 a, in assembly 100 of the prior art, first part 120 and second part 130 must be connected to one another so that they are perfectly aligned. This is because the holes 128 through which water drips onto evaporator top 110 are formed when the two parts 120 and 130 are connected. If there is any misalignment, either through assembly error or because of the tolerances in parts 120 and 130, some of holes 128 may be larger than others, and the flow of water may be uneven. As shown in FIG. 3 b and discussed above, holes 234 of tube 220 are formed within a wall of tube 220, so there are no errors associated with misalignment or tolerances. In addition, drainage holes 234 can be larger than those in currently available assemblies, such as holes 128 of assembly 100. This is due to the controlled water flow/momentum of the design of the assembly of the present disclosure. The benefits of holes 234 include a more uniform water distribution, and lessening the likelihood of obstruction by growth or sediment/scaling.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, another advantage of assembly 200 of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 4 a, with assembly 100, first part 120 often has a narrow channel 121 that can be difficult to clean. By contrast, channel 230 of tube 220 is wider, and thus easier to clean. For example, the first side 236 and second side 238 can each be wide enough so that a finger or other implement of a service technician can fit within them.

The materials used in assembly 200 can be any that are NSF approved, and suitable for contact with potable water. For example, the materials can be plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polypropylene. ABS has been found to be particularly suitable, as it is low-cost and strong enough to withstand the complex geometry of molding, and the stresses of the connection methods described above.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A water distribution tube for an ice-making machine, comprising: an inlet; a channel defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of surrounding raised outer walls; and a plurality of drainage holes within said channel, wherein water is introduced to said tube through said inlet, enters said channel, and drains through said plurality of holes, and wherein the tube is a one-piece, integrally formed and molded tube.
 2. The tube of claim 1, wherein said inlet is integrally formed within a first of said surrounding walls.
 3. The tube of claim 1, wherein said channel has a divider therein, wherein said divider projects up from said bottom surface, so that said channel is divided into a first sub channel and a second sub-channel.
 4. The tube of claim 3, wherein said divider is between a first and a second of said outer walls, so that said first sub channel is between first outer wall and said divider, and second sub channel is between said divider and second outer wall.
 5. The tube of claim 4, wherein said inlet is integrally formed into said first outer wall and is in direct fluid communication with said second sub channel, so that water passes through said inlet spout, accumulates in said second sub channel, and passes over said divider into said first sub channel.
 6. The tube of claim 5, wherein said drainage holes are in said first sub channel, so that water passes through said inlet, accumulates in said second sub channel, and passes over said divider into said first sub channel, and out through said drainage holes.
 7. The tube of claim 6, wherein said drainage holes are in said bottom surface, said first outer wall, or a combination of the two.
 8. The tube of claim 3, wherein said divider has a vertical notch therein.
 9. An assembly for an ice-making machine, comprising: a one-piece, integrally formed and molded water distribution tube, said tube comprising: an inlet, wherein water is introduced to the tube through said inlet; a channel defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of surrounding raised outer walls; and a plurality of drainage holes within said channel; and an evaporator, wherein water is introduced to said tube through said inlet, enters said channel, and drains through said plurality of holes on to said evaporator, and, wherein said water distribution tube connects directly to said evaporator without the use of any fasteners.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said tube connects to said evaporator with a protrusion integrally formed within said tube.
 11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said tube connects to said evaporator with a snap-, pressure-, or friction-fit.
 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said evaporator has a rounded edge over which the water passes.
 13. The tube of claim 9, wherein said channel has a divider therein, wherein said divider projects up from said bottom surface, so that said channel is divided into a first sub channel and a second sub-channel.
 14. The tube of claim 13, wherein said divider is between a first and a second of said outer walls, so that said first sub channel is between first outer wall and said divider, and second sub channel is between said divider and second outer wall.
 15. The tube of claim 14, wherein said inlet is integrally formed into said first outer wall and is in direct fluid communication with said second sub channel, so that water passes through said inlet, accumulates in said second sub channel, and passes over said divider into said first sub channel.
 16. A method of distributing and freezing water, comprising the steps of: introducing water to a distribution tube; and passing water over an evaporator, wherein said tube is a one-piece, integrally formed and molded water distribution tube, said tube comprising: an inlet, wherein said water is introduced to the tube through said inlet; a channel defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of surrounding raised outer walls; and a plurality of drainage holes within said channel, so that during said passing step, said water falls through said drainage holes on to said evaporator.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said channel has a divider therein, wherein said divider projects up from said bottom surface, so that said channel is divided into a first sub channel and a second sub-channel.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said divider is between a first and a second of said outer walls, so that said first sub channel is between first outer wall and said divider, and second sub channel is between said divider and second outer wall.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said inlet is integrally formed into said first outer wall and is in direct fluid communication with said second sub channel, the method further comprising the step of, between said introducing and said passing steps: passing said water through said inlet spout, so that it accumulates in said second sub channel, and passes over said divider into said first sub channel.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein said water distribution tube is connects directly to said evaporator without the use of any fasteners. 